The Kogi State House of Assembly has expressed concern over the increasing spate of insecurity as it confirmed kidnapping of six persons in Yagba East Local Government Area of the state in the last three weeks.
A member representing Yagba East in the Kogi State House of Assembly, Emmanuel Obaro, disclosed this on Tuesday when he moved a motion of urgent public importance on the floor of the House in Lokoja.
Obaro who could not ascertain whether the kidnapped victims had regained their freedom stated that the issues of kidnapping, and armed robbery were gradually spreading in his constituency.
Kidnapping, he added, was creating a ripple effect that can harm individuals, and families and engulf the environment with fear and uncertainty across the various communities in Yagba East Local Government.
His words “I am aware that in the last three weeks, six different cases of attacks, leading to loss of lives, that are likened to banditry are reported. Other cases of attacks in the form of kidnapping are on the rise. These attacks are affecting businesses already and dissipating the resources of the vulnerable poor victims.
“It is my desire that measures be taken by this honourable House to address these issues and ensure that people can live their lives without fear of violence and victimisation”.
The lawmakers called on the state government to investigate the increasing cases of armed theft and kidnapping to identify individuals involved, their modus operandi, and areas of operations, and put an end to the same.
He, however, commended the Kogi State governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for securing the state for more than seven years, praying that his motion would be given urgent attention to restore peace in his constituency.
”A passionate plea be conveyed by this august Assembly urging the State Government to provide a 24-hour security surveillance on Isanlu to Egbe road, where applicable, military, local hunters or Vigilantes should be involved to eliminate the criminal threats” he added.
In support of the motion, a member representing Igalamela/Odolu, Major Enefola, lamented that the resurgence of kidnapping, banditry, and armed robbery remained a thing of concern for all in the state, stressing that, all hands must be on deck to address this societal menace
He said, ”On the 24th of December, 2023, a Rev father was kidnapped in my Local Government when he was going to perform his religious obligation. Ransom was paid before he was released. I would like us to speedily invite the head of vigilantes, to know their challenge and see how we can rub minds together to curb the growing spate of armed robbery, and kidnapping across the state”.
In his submission, the Minority Leader and member, representing Yagba West, Hon. Idowu Ibikunle who could not hide his emotions following his experience while going to his constituency said, ”Whenever I am going to my homeland, until I entered my home before my mind will be settle. Within Isanlu and the nearest village, the road is very bad and these men of the underworld easily operate. The problem is too much. It needs urgent attention to avert further casualties”.
Ruling on the motion, the Speaker of the House, Rt Hon. Aliyu Umar said that the people of the state were aware of the giant achievement of the present administration in terms of security.
He charged the House Committee on Security to interface with the newly appointed caretaker chairmen to chart a way forward to address the present Insecurity across the state.
Meanwhile, A bill for a law to repeal and re-enact the customary court of appeal (Establishment) law, 2008 and other matters connected therewith, as well as a bill for a law to repeal and re-enact the Kogi State Area Courts law, 1991, and other matters connected therewith, 2023 and a bill for a law to enact the Kogi State animal disease control and other related matters law 2023 have passed first reading in the House of Assembly.
The House, thereafter, condoled with the people of Ondo State over the demise of their former governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.
